There’s something special about a meal that brings together contrasting flavors and textures, and this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken does just that. It combines tender, juicy chicken with an irresistible crunchy coating and a glaze that’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. This recipe delivers big on flavor while being a healthier alternative to fried chicken, making it a staple for both indulgent dinners and wholesome family meals.
Hot honey has been making waves in kitchens across the world, and for good reason. This sweet yet fiery condiment elevates everything it touches, giving your baked chicken a gourmet twist without extra effort. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests, whipping up a game-day feast, or looking for a fun twist on a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy all the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with less oil and fewer calories.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat in the hot honey glaze to suit your family’s taste—mild for the kids, fiery for spice lovers!
- Family-Friendly: The crispy coating and sweet glaze make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Prepare: With a simple breading station and baking process, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s casual enough for weeknights and impressive enough to serve at gatherings or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A moderate temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes beautifully golden and crispy.
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Grease the rack lightly with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Using a rack allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating an even crunch without flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, add the flour.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In the third dish, combine crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
The crushed cornflakes are the star of this breading—delivering a satisfying crunch that rivals deep-fried chicken. Make sure the cornflakes are crushed finely enough to adhere well but still have a little texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Start by patting each chicken breast dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the breading adheres evenly and stays crisp.
- First, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. The flour provides a dry base that helps the egg and cornflake mixture stick.
- Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off before moving to the next step.
- Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake mixture. Use your hands to press the crumbs firmly onto each piece, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. This setup ensures the hot air circulates around the chicken, creating an even, crispy crust.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This helps the coating turn golden and crunchy as it bakes.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Taste the glaze and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it for an extra minute or two until it slightly reduces.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
Brush each piece generously with the hot honey glaze, ensuring an even coating. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the glaze is sticky and flavorful.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Cornflake Crushing Tips
For a consistent coating, crush the cornflakes in a resealable bag using a rolling pin. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture. - Adjusting Spice Levels
Not a fan of heat? Reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze, or substitute with a mild chili sauce. For extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading. - Prevent Soggy Coating
Avoid overcrowding the baking rack, as this can trap steam and make the coating soggy. If needed, bake the chicken in batches. - Meal Prep-Friendly
Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings!
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Notes
- For an extra-crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and cornflake steps.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 427
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 480mg
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the coating. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
Related Recipes to Try Next
Conclusion
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a main dish: it’s flavorful, easy to make, and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s a recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of crispy chicken and the sweet-heat glaze is simply irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience comfort food at its finest.
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
Description
There’s something special about a meal that brings together contrasting flavors and textures, and this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken does just that. It combines tender, juicy chicken with an irresistible crunchy coating and a glaze that’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. This recipe delivers big on flavor while being a healthier alternative to fried chicken, making it a staple for both indulgent dinners and wholesome family meals.
Hot honey has been making waves in kitchens across the world, and for good reason. This sweet yet fiery condiment elevates everything it touches, giving your baked chicken a gourmet twist without extra effort. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests, whipping up a game-day feast, or looking for a fun twist on a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A moderate temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes beautifully golden and crispy.
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Grease the rack lightly with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Using a rack allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating an even crunch without flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, add the flour.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In the third dish, combine crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
The crushed cornflakes are the star of this breading—delivering a satisfying crunch that rivals deep-fried chicken. Make sure the cornflakes are crushed finely enough to adhere well but still have a little texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Start by patting each chicken breast dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the breading adheres evenly and stays crisp.
- First, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. The flour provides a dry base that helps the egg and cornflake mixture stick.
- Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off before moving to the next step.
- Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake mixture. Use your hands to press the crumbs firmly onto each piece, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. This setup ensures the hot air circulates around the chicken, creating an even, crispy crust.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This helps the coating turn golden and crunchy as it bakes.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Taste the glaze and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it for an extra minute or two until it slightly reduces.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
Brush each piece generously with the hot honey glaze, ensuring an even coating. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the glaze is sticky and flavorful.
Notes
- For an extra-crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and cornflake steps.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
